University of North Carolina Athletics
Gymnastics Spotlight Of The Week: Zoya Johnson
March 31, 2009 | Women's Gymnastics
March 31, 2009
1) How did you get started in gymnastics?
I saw Dominique Dawes on TV and decided it was my goal to be just like her.
2) What do you like most about being an athlete at UNC?
I love the support we get academically because I know without the academic center coupled with the support of my advisor, and my coaches aim for everyone on our team to excel to the best of their ability in and out of the gym I would not be able to make it at a university such as this as an athlete and a student.
3) Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
I don't have any pre-meet rituals but I do have a designated pair of socks that I wear to every meet. Every year I change the socks.
4) So far, what has been the biggest challenge for you in your first year of collegiate gymnastics?
Balancing my schedule and staying healthy.
5) Where is your favorite place to eat on Franklin Street?
I love B-skis and Cluck-U.
6) What is your favorite and least favorite event? And why?
Beam is my least favorite event because it's a four inch piece of wood raise four feet up that I have to flip on. I love bars because I think it looks the most challenging and when it's done right it looks the coolest.
7) Of all your teammates, past and present, who have you learned the most from? And why?
I have learned the most from my best friend Danae who went to Hills Gymnastics in Gaithersburg, Md. with me and is currently on the Rutgers Gymnastics team. Through her I learned some of the fundamentals of accepting who you are.
8) Who in your life do you admire the most? And why?
I admire my Mother and Grandmother for being such strong individuals and never hesitating to give their all and give their best to those they care about and respect.
9) What is the best advice you have ever received?
To watch your attitude because it eventually becomes your character.
10) What is your favorite class/subject at UNC Chapel Hill?
This semester I would have to say my favorite class is Spanish and my most interesting subject is African American Art History.
